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Laminated paper cannot be recycled

By Patty Packrat

Posted:
01/30/2014 08:48:40 PM MST

Question: Can laminated paper be recycled? If not, what should I do with it?

Answer: Mixing paper and plastic in the recycling process causes contamination. As paper is broken down through a process using water and plastic is broken down by heat, combining the two can create an unusable result.

Laminating paper for presentations and signs creates waste as it then becomes trash. Instead of lamination, plastic sleeves can be used, removed later and reused. Then your paper item can be recycled. Items that have been laminated and are no longer needed can be used as placemats to protect table tops. Or, utilize them for other craft or household projects.

Question: After the holidays I saw quite a few bows and ribbons in the drop-off recycling container. Are they OK for recycling?

Answer: Ribbons and bows should be removed from gift wrapping and boxes before those items are placed in recycling containers. They are contaminants in the recycling process and must be separated from the paper. Better yet, once removed, set them aside if they are still in usuable condition and reuse them for future gift giving. Torn or damaged items can be tossed in the trash. Tape does not have to be removed from gift packaging.

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